CITIC Securities says the latest Middle East-driven second oil shock follows exhaustion of earlier buffers and is not a simple replay of the first shock; the most crowded trades in the two episodes differ, so Q2 market patterns are unlikely to repeat. The conflict is increasingly unpredictable and the risk of prolonged tension has risen, making short-term de-risking unavoidable. However, price, volume and sentiment indicators show the negative moves are largely reflected in near-term extreme dec

Korea Exchange and Koscom Check data show retail investors aggressively bought 14 single-stock leveraged ETFs on July 24, with net inflows of about KRW 450 bln. Retail had been net sellers of these products over July 21–23, with cumulative net outflows of KRW 547.17 bln. The July 24 reversal comprised net purchases of seven Samsung Electronics single-stock leveraged products totaling KRW 103.90 bln and seven SK Hynix products totaling KRW 350.03 bln. The buying occurred on a day when the KOSPI fell over 5%, Samsung and SK Hynix fell about 7–8%, and the related single-stock leveraged ETFs dropped roughly 15–16%. Market commentary notes the sharp ETF price declines likely drew dip buyers, and that higher minimum margin requirements taking effect on July 31 may have prompted some retail investors to increase positions ahead of tighter rules.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese said he will press U.S. President Trump on Washington’s new tariffs, which include measures affecting Australia. The Labor government called the tariffs unjustified and said it seeks their removal. Asked if he would discuss the matter with Trump, Albanese said “Of course” and added “We will raise the issue at all levels of the Australia-U.S. relationship; in fact, we already have.”